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3h ago

Saildrone Unveils 170-Foot Spectre USV for Sub-Hunting and Strike Missions

The rollout positions a larger unmanned vessel for persistent sub-hunting with options for vertical launchers and variable-depth sonar.

Image
Saildrone's new 170-foot long Spectre class of medium unmanned surface vessels. The class features the Silent Endurance variant, on the left, and the Stealth Strike. Image: Saildrone
Saildrone Spectre USV scale model unveiled at Sea Air Space 2026
Spectre Silent Endurance (Saildrone illustration)

Overview

  • Saildrone introduced Spectre on Monday at the Sea-Air-Space conference, presenting a 52-meter unmanned surface vessel for anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and strike roles.
  • The platform comes in two versions: Silent Endurance uses a sail-like wing for long, quiet patrols, while Stealth Strike removes the wing for higher sprint speeds and a lower profile.
  • Saildrone says twin electric and diesel drives allow near-silent movement up to 12 knots and bursts near 30 knots, with a stated 3,280 nautical mile range at cruise in calm water.
  • The company reports an American Bureau of Shipping approval in principle and tow-tank tests in Copenhagen that validated power needs and seakeeping up to full speed in Sea State 5.
  • Production is planned with Fincantieri in Wisconsin starting soon with first sea trials in early 2027, and Saildrone has submitted the design to the Navy’s Medium USV marketplace with an estimated $40 million price.